Newton County River of Words Poetry and Art Contest winners were recognized at the Board of Commissioners Meeting on Dec. 7. All contest entries were required to feature water. Winners received Wal-mart gift cards, with prize costs lessened through a donation from the Service Guild of Covington. First place winners received $30 cards; second place winners received $20 cards; and third place winners received $10 cards. Service Guild members judged the contest.

Emory University's Oxford College alumnus Art Vinson, and his wife, Laurie, have made a planned gift to support the fundraising effort for a new science building on the Oxford campus. By designating the school as the beneficiary of a fully paid life insurance policy, the Vinsons are able to provide a leadership gift to the project.

Riveting readings: Brian Roberts and his dog, Tinkerbell, from Z-93.7 radio in Macon visited Piedmont Academy for a story telling of the Dr. Seuss classic "The Cat in the Hat". The radio personality read the classic then showed a short preview of the new show on Georgia Public TV called "The Cat and the Hat Comes Back."

Say no to drugs: All Piedmont Academy fifth graders graduated from the CHAMPS program on December 2. Certificates were given to the participants. Mikayla Rigsby received recognition for the first place essay, Lauren Mosley was second, and Andrew Chapko was honored for third.Deputy Pat Kennedy provided an overview of the 10-week course and Sheriff Charles Roper challenged the students to always be mindful of the importance of abstention of illegal drugs and making good decisions. The sheriff commended the students for their achievement in successfully meeting the requirements for graduation.

Time at the museum: Fourth and fifth graders from Piedmont Academy recently visited Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta. The classes completed a scavenger hunt of the museum to find interesting facts about Georgia, water, and their environment. The students also learned about the Nile River in an IMAX movie.

The Newton County Board of Education is taking steps to prepare for massive cuts expected for the 2011-2012 school year budget by setting a timeline for discussions leading up to the unveiling of the initial proposed budget in April.